[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-start-with-r9-template":3,"chapter-start-with-r9-template-start-with-r9-template-chapter-199":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Start with R9 Template",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1388664,1840,"Chapter 199 - 199","start-with-r9-template-chapter-199",199,"\u003Cp>The ball curved around the wall before dipping sharply and nestling into the top right corner of the net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Modrić gave a thumbs-up, then quietly gathered his belongings and left without disturbing Ronaldo further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Karim Benzema sighed inexplicably from the bench, wondering when his time to shine would come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly didn't want to remain a supporting actor forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dani Carvajal stared at Ronaldo's retreating figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was determined to neutralize that Man United No.7 in the Champions League final and help Real Madrid secure victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hoped to be remembered as Real Madrid's greatest fullback, bar none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This three-peat was absolutely essential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Casemiro's chubby face glistened with sweat as he walked alongside Sergio Ramos, engaged in deep conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zinedine Zidane gazed at his Real Madrid players, brimming with confidence about the final.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every position featured a top-three player in the world—who could tell him how they might lose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, only one figure remained on the training ground, accompanied by the continuous, dull thuds of ball striking net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many might think he was past his prime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to him, this was merely the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real challenges and glory lay ahead, waiting to be conquered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Post-match press conference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Mourinho, although Man United secured the victory, the team's final performance was poor—parking the bus and playing defensively. Many fans have expressed dissatisfaction with this approach?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter from The Sun knew how to stir controversy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho cast him a cold glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps my football isn't the style you prefer, but it's the approach most likely to bring success. I don't need to design tactics based on your preferences.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've never lost a European final in your managerial career. Are you confident about this season's Champions League final?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter from The Guardian asked a more measured question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. I manage the world's biggest club, I'm the world's best manager, and I have the world's best players. I believe we can win the championship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Mourinho finished speaking, the room erupted in murmurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The journalists had expected more modesty from the Man United manager, not what sounded like a premature victory declaration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet none could refute him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his breakthrough at Porto, to subsequent stints at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and beyond, trophies had followed Mourinho wherever he went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He possessed a unique team-building philosophy and the most resilient defensive concepts in football.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if frequently criticized for being overly conservative, who could deny his achievements?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside past accomplishments, this season alone he had led Man United to surpass Man City and claim the top spot in the standings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Champions League, they had battled through, defeating Jupp Heynckes' Bayern Munich and overcoming Barcelona's conquerors, Roma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would choose to question him at this moment, because fighting an uphill battle is exhausting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a reporter asked about the league title race, Mourinho said seriously, \"In ten days at Old Trafford, I will make the Man United fans celebrate wildly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another conference room, Eusebio Di Francesco maintained his dignity despite the loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In sports, if you only consider the spiritual aspect, there are no losers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen to the loud singing from the away stands—it left a deep impression on every Roma fan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It represents the never-give-up sports spirit and the team spirit of standing by you regardless of win or loss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am very satisfied with the performance of the Roma players.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No miracle? No, no, we have already created a miracle. Coming back against Barcelona is the best proof.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ling? He is an excellent player. I think no manager would turn him down, and I look forward to his performance in the Champions League final.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although I come from a science background, I have a feeling he will bring us a big surprise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At The Ivy bar in downtown Manchester.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling lay in a comfortable, soft booth, taking a sip of a low-alcohol cocktail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was called Buck's Fizz, made from champagne and orange juice, refreshing and light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Lingard beside him was clutching a bottle of vodka, swaying his head to heavy metal music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Man United's next match was on May 13th, Mourinho had unusually given them a day off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After discussing, they decided to go out and have some fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling also cleared his mind, savoring the aftertaste of victory, much like the cocktail in his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Balancing work and rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If life consisted only of rigorous training, the tension would eventually snap, so it was important to enjoy life when possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling planned to move out of the dormitory next season and find a place closer to the training base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he knew it, an hour had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ling was settling the bill at the counter, he suddenly spotted a familiar face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle Walker?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Manchester City defender seemed heavily drunk, staggering over with a bottle in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ling took a few steps back, not wanting to get vomited on by Walker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Walker suddenly changed direction and lunged at a girl nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, she instinctively moved backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling gently steadied the girl and frowned deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had read in the news before that Walker had poor drinking habits and often harassed strangers when drunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, the guy had a wife and children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker wasn't done yet, continuing to stagger over, waving his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling disliked such people and decided not to back down anymore, stepping forward to confront him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Ling even applied any force, Walker lost his balance, fell to the ground, and let out a pained cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the Man City players nearby immediately rushed over without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Man United players naturally didn't lag behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>David De Gea glanced at the girl beside them and said with a teasing look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad, Ling! Playing the hero saving the beauty, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling forced a bitter smile but didn't respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bar patrons quickly pulled out their phones, eager to record the third clash between Man United and Man City this season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hot-tempered Leroy Sané was about to step forward and confront them when Kevin De Bruyne suddenly grabbed his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew what Kyle Walker was like, but he couldn't interfere with his teammate's private life, though it didn't stop him from disliking Walker's behavior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, his eyes were sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maria, what happened?\" De Bruyne spoke up, recognizing the girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Pep Guardiola's daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl wearing a tight floral spaghetti strap dress that left nothing to the imagination gave the prone Walker a hard kick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be telling my father about this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Man City players exchanged glances, immediately sensing trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Guardiola's outwardly easygoing demeanor, when he lashed out, he showed no mercy, reminiscent of Ferguson's infamous \"hairdryer treatment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might all get dragged into this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew Guardiola had been particularly volatile lately after falling behind in the league and suffering Champions League elimination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now this had to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, they were grateful to Ling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn't intervened, who knows what Walker might have done? There could have been irreversible consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like being charged with assault if police got involved, possibly even facing jail time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several players quickly helped Walker up and quietly left the bar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Man United players were confused but tactfully dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maria walked up to Ling and said softly, \"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was the right thing to do.\" Ling replied with a smile before continuing to settle the bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their tab came to £15,000—even with his current weekly wage ranking top five in the squad, he couldn't help wincing at the amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After paying, Ling nodded to Maria and walked out of the bar yawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jeremy, you're just leaving like that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pogba stared in disbelief, his worldview shaken. \"That was Guardiola's daughter!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingard, Lukaku, and others were similarly affected, their expressions growing increasingly peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kovacic crossed his arms nervously. \"Jeremy, you don't actually like—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Piss off! Don't question my sexuality!\" Ling snapped irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the match, he was completely exhausted—hardly in any state for other thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, while everyone else had tomorrow off, he still had to submit his match analysis to Mourinho.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to get up early to review the game.\u003C\u002Fp>",1365,"2026-06-05T22:48:23.062Z",1,"novelbin.me","1cde477390a6044f7ac245c9147a0d22aac0a48682ad28b29f1b9253e0d529cf","start-with-r9-template-chapter-200","start-with-r9-template-chapter-198",371,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstart-with-r9-template-cover.jpg"]